For years, we’ve heard of the idea that collaboration equals innovation, deeper commitment & higher performance
The image of a unified team achieving the impossible is powerful. The reality?
Most teams are operating far below their optimal level, struggling with basic coordination & drowning in conflict
A recent paper from Center for Creative Leadership surveyed 118 program alumni, offering a broad look at the challenges facing teams today
The results are a wake-up call, indicating that while 91% agree teams are central to success, the actual functioning tells a very different story
Here's the brutal truth:
Current Team Performance & Obstacles
1. Only 53% of teams exceed organizational expectations
2. A staggering 95% of people participate on more than one team at a time, creating significant resource challenges & diluted commitment
3. The top obstacles aren't a lack of team spirit, but organizational factors & a lack of material resources —things often outside the team leader's direct control
4. Internally, teams struggle significantly: only 64% agree they surface & resolve conflict effectively, & 62% agree members coordinate their activities well
The Leadership Skills Gap
The data highlighted a clear need for leaders who are multitalented communicators & diplomats. When asked what skills team leaders need to be successful, management skills (organizing, prioritizing, decision-making) topped the list at 22%, followed closely by interpersonal skills (21%) and core leader attributes (19%)
Yet, managing conflict registered a mere 2% as a key skill, suggesting a massive developmental blind spot 🔎
We’re asking people to be miracle workers without giving them the appropriate tools, sponsorship, or human resources
It’s time to move beyond the fluff & focus on implementing practical solutions centered on #TeamCoaching, effective membership, & robust collaboration across teams
The future of organizational effectiveness depends on addressing these hard truths, not the implicit assumptions that have guided us thus far.
It’s time to be honest about the state of teams & focus on what actually drives results. Authenticity & specific stories are what cut through the noise, not polished, corporate-speak
📣 Did you know that I have accompanied many leadership teams in companies such as ABB, Nestlé, Unilever & CCLA Investment Management on their journey from #GoodToGreat ?
But don't take my word for it, take it from one of my clients:
💬 "The coaching has really helped us to think through & understand context, leadership & people, materially better. The coaching has helped us to further mature in our relationship management, decision making & people leadership. Our work has been tremendously useful & I’m confident that it will continue to remain useful both for me & for my executive leadership team.”
#Leadership #Teamwork #HighPerformingTeams
About Navid Nazemian
Ranked as the world’s #1 Executive Coach by CEO Today for the third year running, I partner with senior leaders to navigate complexity, accelerate performance, and lead through critical transitions. Over the past two decades, I’ve supported hundreds of executives in overcoming unproductive thinking and solving their most complex leadership challenges—helping their organizations build world-class cultures and create lasting value.
If you’d like to reflect on a leadership challenge, an upcoming transition, or how I might support you, you’re very welcome to reply directly to this email.
You can also:
- Connect with me on LinkedIn for additional leadership insights
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- Leave a review for my book here
What's Next? More insights on leadership, transitions, and executive effectiveness are coming your way next week. I’d genuinely value your perspective—feel free to share your reflections by replying to this email. I read every response.
Navid
